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All About Celiac Disease

Whether you've recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, or know someone who has, you probably have many questions about this digestive disorder. Learn the basics and find out how to live gluten free with this guide from Giant Eagle®.

Ask the registered dietitians at Giant Eagle for delicious, creative recipes designed just for you.

Background

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that interferes with the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. It is triggered by the consumption of a protein called gluten, commonly found in bread, pasta, baked goods, lunch meat and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. The exact cause is unknown, but research suggests that there may be genetic links between celiac and other autoimmune disorders, including Type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. People with other autoimmune disorders may therefore be more likely to develop celiac disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimate that about one percent of Americans will develop this condition at some point in their lives. And according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), if someone in your immediate family has celiac disease, your individual risk rises to one in 22.

Symptoms and Side Effects

Certain symptoms of celiac disease affect the digestive tract and the ability to absorb nutrients from food. Some people experience few or no symptoms — or the symptoms mimic other, more common ailments such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), mild anemia or fatigue. These may include:

According to the NIH, adults with celiac disease may experience one or more of the following:

Fatigue or exhaustion

Pain in the bones or joints

Changes in mood, especially anxiety, irritability or depression

Sores inside the mouth

Tingling hands or feet

An itchy, red rash

Anemia or osteoporosis with no apparent cause

For women, irregular menstruation

If you or someone you know has experienced these symptoms, a test for celiac disease is in order. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, a biopsy of the small intestine — and, if a rash is present, a skin biopsy.

Treatment

Strict adherence to a gluten free diet is the most effective way to control the disease; removing gluten can eliminate symptoms in as little as a week! If you have this condition, consuming even small traces of wheat or other gluten containing foods can provoke symptoms. Untreated celiac can result in severe malnutrition, anemia and osteoporosis; it may also lead to cancers of the liver and bowel.

Adhering to this diet can present challenges. You can control your diet at home by reading labels carefully and keeping separate, gluten free cookware and prep areas — but you can't always be sure that foods from other kitchens are completely gluten free. These tips can help:

Join a celiac disease support group fortips to help you adhere to your diet while enjoying what you eat. Check the Celiac Disease Foundation's website, www.celiac.org, for information on groups near you.

Seek expert assistance. Your physician can provide guidance on adopting a gluten free diet; ask the registered dietitians at Giant Eagle for delicious, creative recipes and menu ideas designed just for you.

Read labels. Wheat gluten can masquerade as other ingredients, including rye, barley, malt, farina, seitan or semolina. Check out this NIH table for a complete list of safe-to-consume foods.

Work with the kitchen at your office or school to develop gluten free meals. If your child requires a gluten free diet at school, talk to the school principal, your child's teachers and cafeteria staff.

Take a gluten free tour. Giant Eagle carries a wide variety of products suitable for gluten free and gluten restricted diets, but finding the right foods can be tricky. Take a guided tour of the store to learn how to identify gluten free offerings by reading food labels, and get specifics on the nutrients you need — plus ingredients to avoid. There is no charge for this event — so reserve your spot today!

Important Physician Advice Disclaimer: The content provided by Giant Eagle®, including but not limited to, website, recipe and health information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician for professional guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under the age of 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems.